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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Viruses

Viruses can slow plant growth, but most do not seriously harm woody landscape plants. Damage is usually noticeable only in foliage. Infected leaves may become spotted, streaked, discolored, distorted, or stunted. The variegation or other foliage changes that viruses cause are sometimes considered to be attractive.

Identification | Life cycle

Solutions

There is no cure or treatment for virus-infected plants in landscapes and generally none is needed. Provide proper cultural care to improve plant vigor or replace infected plants if their growth is unsatisfactory. Purchase high-quality, certified, virus-free or resistant nursery stock. Do not graft virus-free plants unless you want to introduce the virus. Although certain viruses are spread by aphids and other insects that suck plant juices, controlling insects is generally not a recommended method of preventing virus infection in woody landscapes.

Camellia yellow mottle virus
Camellia yellow mottle virus

Ringspot virus symptoms on hydrangea
Ringspot virus symptoms on hydrangea

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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